Biconical Terracotta Cup from Luristan with Sun Symbols

Culture: Iran/Luristan

Period: 1000-800 B.C.

Material: Terracotta

Dimensions: 9 cm high

Price: 480 Euro

Ref: 6564

Provenance: Austrian private collection Prof. Josef Mairitsch (1938-1994) with the inventory number 57A. Acquired between 1960 and the early 1980s. Thence in the family estate. With an old collection note and inventory list.

Condition: Vessel intact, on one side the painting is slightly fading. In some areas encrustation.

Description: Interesting, biconical terracotta cup from western Iranian Luristan, which tapers downwards and ends in a button on the base. The vessel was probably stored upside down and lifted at the button for use. The cup with a beige primer is painted in dark brown colour. Below the outwards curved rim runs an encircling, diligently applied grid motive, which is repeated in the centre of the body, right at the kink. Two parallel, vertically running chain bands, each connect the grid ornaments. In the free areas in between circles framed by dots are painted, which can be interpreted as sun symbols. A rare form.